Skye Steele

Skye Steele (Violinist and Composer, B.F.A. in Jazz Performance, New School for Social Research), has made a name for himself around town over the past decade as an adventurous and passionate improviser with a knack for making his voice stand out in almost any situation. From downtown-jazz mainstays like Steven Bernstein, Butch Morris, and Cyro Baptista, to hit-makers Willie Nelson, Rufus Wainwright and Vanessa Carlton, to world-music and jazz collaboratives Nation Beat, Anistar, and Vampire Suit—Skye has paid dues in enough circles to have learned how to make a unique statement. Skye made his recording debut as a leader in 2007 with late bloomer, which rated praise from such trusted sources as the NYTimes ("rustic and worldly") and Cadence Review ("Fabulous tone and inventive solo sense").

Approaching his work as an educator with the same passion as his own music-making, Skye has worked through Third Street Music School Settlement, Young Audiences NY, Midori and Friends, and as an independent teacher and clinician for nearly a decade. He passes on the diversity of his own musical knowledge to his students by integrating classics, jazz, and folk music from around the world into his curriculum at all levels. Skye's pedagogical goal is to educate the whole musician through the lens of violin playing. He places strong emphasis on listening, artistic interpretation via critical thinking, and vocalisation. As a clinician, Skye has taught Jazz, Brazilian Fiddling, and Middle Eastern Music to groups ranging from the String Department of Syracuse University to the San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra and many others.

Get Started with BML to setup a lesson with Skye.